However, he says that the race will return the following year. Ecclestone wants to move the race to earlier in the season -- in effect freeing up an October slot for the Russian Grand Prix -- but has agreed with promoter Jaypee that it would make no sense to have two races in six months.

There have been similar scenarios before after calendar shake-ups, for example with Malaysia being held in October 2000 and March 2001, and China in October 2008 and April 2009. However, that seemingly that won't work for India.

"When we signed the five-year deal with Jaypee, we were keen on going to India in the first half [of the season] and Jaypee wanted it to be in October," Ecclestone told Indian news agency IANS. "We gave in at that time, but now it looks we will have the race early 2015.

"It was too close [races late 2013 and early 2014]. Therefore, after speaking to promoters, we think it is best not to have a race in 2014 and have one in 2015."